The Story of St. Michael Church Mahim
St. Michael’s Church is among the oldest Catholic churches and one of the oldest Portuguese structures in Mumbai. The church is located in Mahim, located at the junction of L.J. Road and Mahim Causeway. Because of its location, it is also called Mahim Church.
The church is renowned for its Our Lady of Perpetual aid Novena on Wednesdays. This is attended by many people of all religions to seek the Our Lady of Perpetual Succour’s blessings.
History
The interior of St. Michael’s Church, Mahim (Mumbai, India)
The first St. Michael’s Church was believed to be built in 1534. It was built by Antonio do Porto, a church builder from the Franciscan Order. Our Lady of the Mount chapel in Bandra was destroyed by the Portuguese at the direction of the British, and the location of the chapel was kept secret. At the time, St. Michael’s Church was the sanctuary where the image of the Blessed Virgin was inside the chapel. The image was kept at St. Michael’s till 1761 and was then moved to its current location in Bandra.
Novena
St. Michael’s sees many visitors on Wednesdays throughout the week as novena prayers for our Lady of Perpetual Succour are conducted all day long. The service is attended by all religions. Many believe that going to church every week on the nine Wednesdays (Novena) will fulfill their desires. Some offer wax representations of their desires, like building a house made of wax. It is estimated that around 50,000 people visit the church each week.
Weekly Novena services began in 1948 after a priest named Father Edward Placidus Fernandes from Bombay observed a similar ceremony celebrating Our Lady of Perpetual Succour in Belfast, Northern Ireland, while on a trip to Europe.
Fr. Fernandes carried an image that was touched by his icon. It was the original icon in Rome. On the 8th of September 1948, the birthday of Mary, and the Wednesday of that year, Fr. Fernandes, in his capacity as vicar, conducted the first Novena services.
At first, two services were scheduled every Wednesday. However, today, from 8:30 am until 10:30 pm, thirteen services are offered in various languages, including English, Konkani, Marathi, Tamil, and Hindi.
In 2014, a picture depicting the Virgin Mary of Perpetual Success was presented by the Vatican to St. Michaels by the Vatican. It is a genuine hand-painted rendition of the icon originally created in Rome.
Bleeding Christ picture
On the 27th of June, 2008, many people went to St. Michael’s to see the image of Jesus that was referred to as “the Divine Mercy.” The image displayed red spots believed to be blood in Jesus’s heart. Jesus. The spots were noticed at 8.30 pm, on the anniversary of the feast of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, and were described as a “miracle” by the faithful.
Not just Christians, however, Hindus and Muslims from Maharashtra and the States of Goa, Karnataka, and Gujarat, went to the Church to see the scene. The line to St. Michael’s extended more than 1 mile.
Parish priest Father Raphael and Father Doneth D’Souza from the St. Michael’s church and archbishop Cardinal Oswald Gracias declined the claim of miracles. Fr. D’Souza clarified, “It’s not an actual bloodstain, and it’s also not miraculous. Every picture from Divine Mercy has a red heart halo, and in this instance, the red color is due to the moisture present in the air. It may appear like an ink stain; however, it’s not. “
The image was taken down and then sent for scientific analysis at the instructions of Oswald Gracias. The study’s results were published in the Archdiocesan Weekly of September and said it was “established that there isn’t evidence of blood within the red light that emanates out of the heart of Jesus in this image of Divine Mercy.” Monsoon humidity and variations in the quality of air are the probable causes. Oswald Gracias did not explain the reasons behind this.
Mass and Novena timings (2024)
| Day/Time | Mass Timings |
|---|---|
| Weekday – Except Wednesday | |
| 6:30 am | English |
| 7:30 am | English |
| 7:00 pm | English |
| Wednesday | |
| 6:00 am | English Mass & Novena |
| 7:00 am | English Mass & Novena |
| 8:00 am | English Novena |
| 8:30 am | English Novena |
| 9:30 am | English Novena |
| 10:30 am | Konkani Novena |
| 12:00 pm | English Novena |
| 1:00 pm | Tamil Novena |
| 2:00 pm | Marathi Novena |
| 3:00 pm | Marathi Novena |
| 4:00 pm | Hindi Novena |
| 5:00 pm | English Novena |
| 6:00 pm | English Novena |
| 7:00 pm | English Novena |
| 8:00 pm | English Novena |
| 9:30 pm | English Novena |
| Saturdays | |
| 6:30 am | English |
| 7:30 am | English |
| 7:00 pm | English |
| Sundays | |
| 6:30 am | English |
| 7:30 am | Konkani |
| 8:30 am | English |
| 9:30 am | English |
Check updated Mass timings on the Official Website of the Church
Parish Office Hours: Morning – 9:00 am to 1:00 pm Evening – 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm
Please note that the office is closed on Saturday evenings, Sundays, and public holidays.
Prayers on the Days of the Week
| Weekly Prayers/Novena | Day to Recite |
|---|---|
| The Holy Rosary | Everyday |
| St. Joseph Novena | Monday |
| St Anthony Novena | Tuesday |
| Our Lady of Perpetual Succour Novena | Wednesday |
| Infant Jesus Novena | Thursday |
| St Jude Novena | Thursday |
| Act of Consecration to Divine Mercy | Friday |
| Our Lady of Velankanni | Saturday |
Address
St. Michaels Church
Lady Jamshedji Road,
Mahim(West),
Mumbai 400 016
Phone: 022 2445 4483
How To Reach:
Road – St. Michael Church is situated very near to Mahim Bus Depo. You can also come there from any part of Mumbai as the Church is on the main road. Alternatively, you can use Uber or Ola.
Train – It is a 10 min walkable distance from Mahim West railway station. Around 1 km.
Famous Places Nearby:
Mount Mary Church Bandra – The Basilica of Our Lady of the Mount, commonly known as Mount Mary Church, is a Roman Catholic Basilica in Bandra, Mumbai. Even though the church tower is 100 years old, the history of the current statue of Our Lady dates back to the 16th century when Jesuit priests from Portugal got the figure to the present place and built a chapel.
Girgaon Chowpatty – The Girgaon Chowpatty Girgaon Chowpatty Beach can be a local spot to explore and the most famous beach in Mumbai. The beach is a popular destination for massages, yoga, and strolls at a leisurely pace.
It’s also a popular spot for those looking to relax with their family and friends after work. You can relax on the beach, sipping hot tea, bhelpuri, and panipuri while watching the sunset on the Arabian Sea.
Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus – Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaja Terminus is one of the most important railway stations connecting Mumbai with other national regions. In addition to its importance in the commercial world, It’s a landmark structure constructed in the Victorian-Gothic style.
It was previously known as Victoria Terminus. British engineers and Indian artisans worked for a decade to construct this structure.
Gateway of India – This stunning stone arch overlooked the Arabian Sea and was built to commemorate the first visit by King George V and Queen Mary. It is among the most popular spots for a visit to Mumbai for the people of Mumbai who visit to stroll around or watch the ferries that enter and leave the harbor.
It is also known as the Gateway of India and is the location for many luxurious boat excursions. It is a must-visit location for any Tourist who comes to Mumbai.
Taj Mahal Hotel – The most famous and Prestigious luxurious Taj Mahal Hotel is situated opposite the structure of the Gateway of India.
Marine Drive – Another famous attraction in Mumbai where you can sit beside the sea or walk on the promenade. It’s where you will see couples, Children, and early morning walkers enjoying the fresh sea breeze.
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya – is around 5 km from Marine Drive.
Jehangir Art Gallery – is a famous art gallery only 5 km from Marine Drive.
Flora Fountain – in Fort is another famous structure between Marine Drive and the Gateway of India. It is just a water fountain with an exciting history and landmark in Mumbai.
